Speaking to PTI, Mukherji said: "I would like to thank UTV for this. It's a great moment for all the people who loved Yash uncle and the people who are associated with the family. We will all miss him."

Unveiling the statue, the late director's wife Pamela said: "I want to thank UTV for this initiative because people forget... We all tend to do so. But with this statue, we will not forget him. I really like the statute, especially with this favourite cap and his camera."

In an emotional statement, Chopra's son commented on the statue, saying: "I have seen him live, so it's a different feeling. And as rightly said, now his admirers can touch him and feel him."

The statue joins those of Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Shammi Kapoor which line the Bandra promenade.